The Ocean Salmon Management Program (OSMP) monitors ocean commercial and recreational salmon fisheries, and conducts ocean and coastal river's investigations for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). The program uses data from these and other sources to develop management recommendations for the best use of Oregon's salmon resources, and to evaluate proposed ocean salmon fishery regulations.

Local abundance of black rockfish is a top concern of recreational fishers and fisheries managers alike. This long-term tagging study helps fisheries managers estimate population, migration, and growth rates of black rockfish. The data assists with stock assessments and adjusting regulations, such as bag limits, to maintain harvest of black rockfish and other species within annual harvest guidelines.

The Marine Habitat Project, initiated in 1989, is part of the Marine Resources Program located at ODFW's Newport office. The project's mission is to address emerging marine habitat management issues and provide a habitat component to species-based marine resources programs.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted an Interim Management Plan (pdf) for Oregon's Nearshore Commercial Fishery on October 11, 2002. The main intent of this plan is to protect nearshore groundfish populations, which are primarily rocky reef fish, from overharvest. The action taken is only an interim measure pending the adoption of a Harvest Management Strategy for the fishery under Oregon's comprehensive Nearshore Fisheries Management Plan, which is currently being developed. Development of the Harvest Management Strategy is scheduled for 2007.

Adopted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in December of 2005, the Oregon Nearshore Strategy provides recommendations for ODFW's management of marine fish and wildlife and identifies potential areas of opportunity for public/private action and partnership to contribute to the sustainability of Oregon's nearshore resources. The Nearshore Project is currently focused on implementation of Nearshore Strategy recommendations and has formed a Nearshore Advisory Committee to assist the Department with the Strategy's implementation.

The major functions of the Marine Mammal Research Program include: monitoring the status of seals and sea lions (pinnipeds) in Oregon; conducting studies of pinniped population biology; examining their interactions with marine and anadromous fishes; and providing information on these issues to government entities and the general public.

Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Contact ODFW's Public Service Representative at: odfw.info@state.or.us
Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? Contact: odfw.comments@state.or.us